Short Answer Questions

3. Why is Papillon set free after only 19 months of an eight-year sentence?

4. Which man comes to Papillon with a plan for escape?

5. What precious stones do the prisoners find?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Papillon manage to get transferred back to Diable where his chances of escape are more favorable?

2. What does Papillon call the "extraordinary" change in his character?

3. What ill fate does Sylvain come to during the escape attempt with Papillon?

4. What are Papillon's plans for surviving the eight-year stint of solitary confinement?

5. For what reason is Papillon sentenced to eight years in solitary confinement?

6. What reasons can Papillon give for Sylvain's demise and what selfish thought does Papillon harbor then?

7. What is a "Lisette" and who agrees to accompany Papillon on his next escape attempt?

8. Describe Papillon's rescue by the torpedo ship.

9. What is Papillon's sole concern upon being rescued and where is he taken?

10. Where does Papillon and Carbonieri bury the raft pieces during the time they are working on it and what is the method they are going to use to keep the raft afloat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses some important instances of flashbacks in the story. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two making sure to explain what makes each a flashback.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the book's title. Why does the author call it simply PAPPILON? What was he trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each.

Essay Topic 3

What separated Papillon from most of the other prisoners? What made him relentless in his pursuit of freedom while most of the other prisoners had resigned themselves to their fate? Explain.